Herman Who?

For 11 weeks, the women in our church have been studying hermeneutics, guidelines for interpreting Scripture. This was almost a mini-seminary course as Pastor Ryan had taught the same material at Gaba Bible Institute in Uganda this summer. It was very challenging but also very helpful. 

After we walked through the final exam, Pastor Ryan said he would consider the class a success if the women in the church are ever so slightly less intimidated by the Word and ever so slightly more faithful in our interpretation. I pray and hope in faith that this will be the case. 

I came away with a greater conviction that the Word is the sole authoritative way God reveals Himself. If I profess to love and follow Him, how can I do that unless I know who He is? And how will I know who He is unless I learn through the means He has chosen to reveal Himself? I will still read plenty of books, but they can't be primary. There is no substitute for digging in the Bible. Much is way beyond me, but that doesn't mean it's not worth reading because it doesn't come easy or give immediate emotional gratification. Mining gold is hard work, but the treasure is worth the effort. 

I thank God for a local church where the Word is faithfully preached. I thank God for the fellowship of the saints, but no one can learn the Word for me by proxy. I must do it myself.

Private Bible study is an important means of grace for the Christian. It is a privilege and a duty for all of us. In his grace and kindness toward us God has provided not only gifted teachers in His church to assist us, but his own Holy Spirit to illumine His Word and search out its application in our lives. To sound teaching and diligent study, God gives blessing. 

R.C. Sproul from Knowing Scripture, IV Press, 1979, pg. 43.